Report: Maurizio Sarri Targets Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Initial Loan at Lazio

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Get Football News Italy, Sarri has identified Loftus-Cheek as a 'dream signing' to replace Sergey Milinkovic-Savic in midfield.

The report states that the likes of Allan and Dries Mertens have also been mentioned but Sarri sees Loftus-Cheek as the perfect replacement and a 'dream signing' for the summer.

However, any move would depend on the exit of Milinkovic-Savic, who could be set to depart Rome.

It is further reported that Lazio would likely ask for an initial loan deal rather than a permanent signing from the off.

With the World Cup in winter of 2022, Loftus-Cheek could move for even more regular first team football in a bid to work his way into Gareth Southgate's England plans.

Thomas Tuchel has recently praise Loftus-Cheek for his adaptability as he has been utilised at wing-back in recent weeks.

"The role was a bit different as a wing-back today," he told Chelsea's official 5th Stand app. "We wanted him to be inside almost as a number 8 and drive with the ball.

"We tried it, he accepted it and made the most of it. Was a very good performance."

The Englishman played some of his best football under Sarri before suffering a career changing injury, which saw him later shipped out on loan before returning under Tuchel.